311 just got done celebrating their 3/11 Day performance in New Orleans and now we get to look forward to their Summer Unity Tour with Matisyahu as they continue to record their 12th studio album…
In 2015, 311 celebrated 25 years as a group by emptying out their archive of music that included 81 total tracks of unreleased songs, b-sides, bonus tracks, pre-production recordings and demos, in addition to a 60 page book of rare photos and memorabilia inside a release aptly titled 
Archive. They cut their 2015 summer tour shorter than usual to get back into the studio to work on new material.
Here is the official statement we received directly from 311 regarding their plans for a new album:
“While there is lots of excitement for 311’s yet to be titled 12th studio album, it’s unknown at this point if it will be a late 2016 or early 2017 release. 311 are working on the album at their own Hive Studio in Los Angeles, where they recorded their albums Stereolithic, Universal Pulse, Uplifter, Don’t Tread on Me, Evolver, and From Chaos. 311 is again working with producer Scotch Ralston – who is also 311’s live soundman. Scotch produced 311’s Transistor, Soundsystem & Stereolithic albums. We will keep you informed as we learn more info.”
[Related: How I Discovered 311]
While we await news, updates and leaks of new music from 311, they have released their summer tour dates that will kick off with back-to-back shows starting June 29th in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Depot while the tour concludes on August 14th at the Masonic in San Francisco, CA. The tour will include 31 total dates with the group visiting 20 different states.
In addition to their back-to-back shows in Utah to start the tour, the group will, from there, travel directly to Las Vegas where they will continue to play back-to-back nights (July 2nd & 3rd) at Mandalay Bay Beach where fireworks are expected to erupt overhead as 311 will help Las Vegas celebrate America’s independence.
Joining 311 on this tour will be Matisyahu who is currently celebrating the release of Live at Stubbs Vol. 3 that dropped last October. I personally think it would be fantastic if this tour resulted in Matisyahu being a guest feature on 311’s new record. 311 is never one to include guest appearances on their albums, but I think there’s potential with such a collaboration in the studio, not to mention live on stage.
Related Links:
Exclusive 311 Blog
311 Website
Matisyahu Website
Article By: Mike Patti
Watch: 311 – 25 Years of 311